Technical Manager

Location: Paddock Wood

We are seeking an experienced Technical Manager to lead and develop technical and food safety processes for a busy food manufacturing business. This is a hands-on role for a practical, results-driven individual with strong leadership skills and a demonstrable track record in food safety and processing compliance.

Key responsibilities

Lead the site technical function, managing a small technical team and coordinating cross-functional stakeholders (production, QA, procurement, R&D).
Maintain and continuously improve the site food safety management systems, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and industry best practice.
Drive and maintain BRC standard compliance; lead internal audits, manage third-party audits and oversee corrective actions and continuous improvement activity.
Oversee HACCP systems, allergen control, traceability, labelling and shelf-life programs.
Provide technical support for new product introductions, process changes and raw material approvals.
Investigate quality and food safety incidents, perform root cause analysis, implement corrective/preventive actions and report findings to senior management.
Manage supplier assurance and raw material specifications, including coordinating supplier audits where required.
Prepare and deliver technical training to production and QA teams to embed food safety culture.
Essential requirements

Minimum of 5 years' relevant experience in a technical/quality role within food manufacturing, including people management.
Working knowledge of BRC Global Standard requirements and experience preparing for and managing BRC audits.
Strong practical knowledge of food safety and processing principles (HACCP, allergen control, traceability, labelling, GMPs).
Demonstrable experience in incident investigation, root cause analysis and corrective action implementation.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence at all levels.
Strong organisational skills, attention to detail and the ability to manage competing priorities.
Desirable

Formal food safety/quality qualification (e.g., NEBOSH, BSc in Food Science, Food Technology or related).

Experience with other standards (e.g., ISO, SQF) and GMP systems.

Experience of supplier audit programs and raw material specification management.
What we offer

Permanent full-time role with competitive salary and benefits.
Opportunity to lead technical improvement projects in a progressive food manufacturing environment.
Professional development and training opportunities.
Salary Competitive DOE

To apply
and a brief covering letter to (url removed) Applications will be treated in confidence